College Chapters
Located at over 150 colleges, tribal colleges, and universities throughout North America, AISES College Chapters provide professional and social peer support, and serve as liaison between AISES National Office and our students. Although each College Chapter has unique priorities, goals, and member profiles, there are several common traits and roles: provide peer support, career guidance, and leadership opportunities to fellow students; provide academic, cultural, and social support to members; contribute to local and regional communities; support and contribute towards fulfillment of the AISES mission; and demonstrate upstanding scholastic and character values to other students. Exemplary chapters are recognized during awards ceremonies at the National Conference.
Starting a College Chapter
Effective chapter organization and mission clarity are crucial. With these intact, yours will be a strong, effective, and efficient College Chapter able to meet the needs of your members. This section explains membership requirements for chapters, how to select a chapter advisor, the required documents and forms needed to start a chapter, and how to prepare an annual chapter report.
Membership Requirements — Each AISES College Chapter must have a minimum of eight members, with all of them being individual members of AISES. Annual college student membership dues are $25. The members listed on the petition to form a College Chapter (hereinafter referred to as the organizers or organizing committee) must be current with their AISES National membership. Exceptions to the eight-member requirement will be handled on a case-by-case basis, but no exceptions can be made regarding membership status. Membership verification may be sent along with the petition.
Required Chapter Reports — The required annual chapter report and updates provide AISES with information about your chapter's activities, member demographics, and financial status. Chapters in good standing with their reports are eligible to be nominated for Chapter of the Year Awards at AISES National Conference
Another requirement of chapters is a monthly activity status report. Read about this report here.
Selecting a Chapter Advisor — Each Student Chapter must have at least one advisor, who may be a member of the faculty or staff selected according to the criteria established by the Student Chapter. The Chapter Advisor is the one who will sign the petition. While there are no particular requirements a person must meet to become an advisor, chapter organizers are advised to choose someone who demonstrates a dedication and commitment to the chapter's students and AISES' mission.
Required Documents and Forms
- Cover letter (Click here for samples)
- Petition to form a College Chapter signed by the Chapter Advisor
- Verification of eight current AISES memberships
- Copies of meeting minutes reflecting adoption of AISES' Code of Conduct and signed form submitted. (This Code is preferred; however, some chapters find that over time they adapt amendments tailored to the Chapter’s evolving and distinct needs and circumstances).
- Signed copy of the AISES Code for the Governing of Student Chapters indicating:
- the code was adopted at a regularly scheduled meeting of the organizing committee
- the number of votes for and the number against adoption and the date of adoption
- Letter stating that the college or university has certified their chapter as a duly recognized student organization
Please send your completed application and supporting documents to:
AISES — Member Services, Marketing & Events Department
P.O. Box 9828
Albuquerque, NM 87119-9828
Click here for more information about Chapter Reports or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for any additional information.